'We now need some time' – Golspie retailers call it a day after 'colourful' 14 years
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Convenience retailers Michael and Sharon Hope closed the doors on their NISA store for the last time on March 12 after a "colourful" 14 years serving the community.
The Golspie couple said it was with a "heavy heart" that they would be forced to call it a day, citing "astronomical electricity costs" and rising costs as factors that have left them with "no other option" but to close.
The Hope family took the reigns of the convenience shop back in 2010 after moving north from the central belt.
Selling groceries and convenience items, they have been a staple on Golspie high street since, having tried their hand at many different offerings, from ice cream to hot food, in a bid to keep trading.
The shop successfully navigated its way through the pandemic and has remained open despite rising bank charges and changes in shopping habits
But with spiralling running costs to meet and the ever growing cost-of-living crisis hitting the country, the couple now feel the task is just "impossible".
"People just don't have the money anymore," a resigned Mr Hope said. "The margins just aren't there any more for groceries in independent retail, and small shops are just finished now.
"Small convenience is also power hungry and electricity is such a big factor. They were about to put it up on us again, and we just said it's too much. It's too big a jump now.
"People are struggling so much with their own mortgages, council tax and other costs. The cost-of-living is a lot worse than many people say it is."
Tragedy has also played a significant part in the couple's decision.
Since 2022, the family have had to balance the challenges of running an independent retail business with the extreme grief of losing their son Finley, who was tragically killed in a car crash near Lairg, aged just 24.
"We only closed for a week and we never gave ourselves a proper chance to process what had happened," said Mr Hope. "Finley looked after so much in the shop. So, we were constantly reminded of his loss, as passwords and so many things around the shop are in Finley's name.
"It was eventually going to be passed on to Finley and his brother Mackenzie.
"The last four months have been especially difficult. Stress just builds on top of stress and eventually something just has to give.
"We now need some time to ourselves to figure out our new path in life."
Customers took to social media to express their well wishes after learning of the shop's closure via an announcement on Facebook earlier this month.
An emotional statement read: "It’s been a colourful 14 years with our family and local staff but it has also been extremely difficult in recent months with the tragic and heartbreaking loss of our son.
"We want to thank all of our regular customers and passing trade for supporting us throughout this journey."
Among many heartfelt comments from Golspie residents was a message from Di Johnston, who said: "(It was) so brave of you all to carry on after such a close family loss. Keeping the shop open for the locals and those passing through was greatly appreciated.
"I will miss my breakfast roll, but wish you all the best on whatever route your future takes."
Magi Mackenzie added: "You both deserve some time just for you, not to be worrying about the stresses of running a shop and all that goes with it."
A comment from Linton McBurnie read: "A very difficult decision to make but similarly a very difficult time to make a business pay. You guys have served you local community well through the most devastating of times."
